Therese Lee Hall

Durango resident Therese Lee Hall died from complications of a blood infection Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver. She was 55.

Known as “Reesa,” she was born to Russell and Annabelle Fitzgerald on Feb. 15, 1957, in Odessa, Texas. When she was young, she moved with her family to Indianapolis, where she grew up with two sisters and a brother.

At age 17, she drove across the country with the dream of living in the West. Ms. Hall settled in Steamboat Springs, where she lived for 16 years, before moving to Summit County. She had lived in Durango for the last 19 years.

She was a stay-at-home mother when her children were young and had most recently worked in the Medical Staff Office at Mercy Regional Medical Center.

Ms. Hall most enjoyed spending time in her garden, camping, being in nature, especially the mountains and ocean, sitting in the sun, dancing to loud music and spending time with her family.

“She was a magnificent spirit who radiated a joy for life,” her family said. “She had a strong work ethic and was a cherished contributor wherever she went.”

Ms. Hall is survived by her husband and companion of many years, Steven Caplan of Durango; children Casey Hall and Anna Caplan, both of Durango, and Jamie Hall of Seattle; and sisters Janet Smith of Texas and Linda Johnson of Indiana.

A memorial tribute and celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at Junction Creek Campground.